Smooth sailing in flagship limousine

Audi’s range-topper remains one of the most impressive cars on the road, writes Carmel Stewart

For the ‘oldie’ in the Audi range of youthful dynamic cars, the A8 is holding up remarkably well, so well that each successive model has an ‘all-new’ feel to it.

Now into its fourth generation, it has had a few facelifts and tweaks, each of which has added yet another layer of technology and style.

Easily identifiable as an Audi and clearly designed with luxury in mind, the latest model,while stream lined and swish, is not aesthetic ally overly exciting from the outside. Inside is where the real sophistication kicks in with quality materials and hi-tech equipment in deluxe abundance.

The digital dash neatly houses all the information dials and menus to such an extent that information overload is a real possibility. Excellent 3D navigation is displayed on a 10-inch screen and the colour head-up display includes speed limit information.

The divide between the leather seats up front houses storage spaces and the solid handled gear shifter.

The short wheelbase model handles like a dream, making it easy to see how this car has remained on the top step of the podium, unchallenged.

The long wheelbase will have Parker and Lady Penelope getting their strings in a twist it is so deliciously classy, with rear seat passengers having their own screens, reading lights, and an optional relaxation seat with four different positions and a foot rest. A warm foot massage is also included.

In addition, this is the first production car from Audi developed for automated driving. It has the software for hi-tech systems in place–street and garage parking, which can be operatedremotely, and traffic jam driving. All it needs is the green light from the law makers.

Priced from £69,100, this luxury saloon flagship model is powered by aV 6 turbo3.0-l it re, 282 bhp diesel, a 3.0- litre V6 335bhp turbo petrol or a mighty eight-cylinder, 4.0-litre, 429 bhp diesel. All models are of the quattro variety and all have the addition of a 48-volt electrical boost to the drive-train. Known as mildthis system enables the car to coast with the engine turned off and to restart smoothly; it also extends the stop/ start function making the engines more efficient. Choosing between them is almost impossible – best let the chauffeur decide.

Although Audi buyers famously spec up their models, in this case they may not need to, the standard list is so extensive. Digital virtual dials, high definition colour head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, LED headlights with high beam assist, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, leather electrically adjustable heated seats, adaptive air suspension plus an eight-speed ti pt ronic transmission with hill hold assist are just the highlights.

Options include predictive active suspension, dynamic all wheel steering and as port differential.

But if the A8 is not to your taste despair not – Audi has 53 models in its armoury with more on the way. Twenty-one launches are planned over 24 months. There will be some revamps and refreshes in there but there will be all-new models too, including an all-electric e-t ron quattro,Audi’ s first-ever all-electric car.